Tree Treasure No. 8: Where Faith & Music Raised Me

This ornament takes me right back to my childhood. My mom and my grandma were both church organists in Santa Cruz and my mom played at the Congregational Church of Soquel for decades. That church was more than a building for me. It was my second home.

We were there at least three times a week for rehearsals. I grew up singing in the choir. Easter cantatas. Christmas cantatas. Year after year of music that wrapped itself into my heart. When I met Dave he joined the choir too and that made it even sweeter.

The potlucks, the youth groups, the holidays spent in those pews with my grandparents. That whole church community shaped so much of who I am today.

So when I see this ornament on our tree I do not just see a church. I see generations of faith and music. I see my mom at the organ. I see myself growing up. I see the roots of our family. This one holds so many memories and I treasure it every single year.

What place from your childhood shaped you the most?

If you enjoy nostalgic holiday stories, I’m also sharing my Christmas memories in a new series called Christmas Stories Throughout the Years.